Aussie Band Sticky Fingers Removed From This That Festival Lineup

The festival has faced backlash online after announcing the controversial band as part of their lineup.

Newcastle festival This That has released a statement announcing, after discussions with the band, that Sticky Fingers will no longer be part of the lineup after the event faced major criticism online.

"Sticky Fingers agreed with This That from the start that if their inclusion began to impact negatively on the other artists performing and our Newcastle and wider communities that it would be best if they refrain from performing," a statement released by the festival read.

"Our decision to include Sticky Fingers on the 2018 line-up was not taken lightly as there were many serious and complex issues to consider from several perspectives, and we realised there would be debate about their suitability to be included."

This That was going to be Sticky Fingers' first appearance at a major festival since their hiatus in 2016, after the band's lead singer Dylan Frost faced allegations of sexist, racist, and transphobic abuse.

In a statement announcing their indefinite hiatus, the band referred to "internal issues", but after more allegations surfaced, Frost posted a follow-up citing alcohol abuse and a struggle with mental health -- specifically bipolar schizophrenia -- but also rejected claims that his actions were sexist or racist.

Returning to the spotlight, the band gave an interview with triple j's Hack where Frost -- when asked to respond to the allegations against him -- said, "Boys will be boys, you know?"

When asked to clarify what he meant Frost said, "Shit happens man".

"I guess I am sorry for making people feel that way… on that night."

As you can imagine, the interview didn't resonate with those who felt like the band were apathetic toward their behaviour.

Soon after, the band released another statement, this time to clarify that their comments on Hack were in regards to the band's "past experiences of fighting one another and the headspace we were in at the time".

So -- the band has been dogged with controversy for years, and it's no wonder that This That faced hefty criticism for inviting Sticky Fingers to headline their festival.

After This That released their statement -- you GUESSED IT -- Sticky Fingers also posted a statement of their own on Facebook.

The band wrote in the statement that they felt like their attempts at rehabilitation had gone unrewarded by Australian music journalists and those within the industry.

"Earlier this year we recorded an album entirely sober, and just two days ago completed a sold out world tour - all shows entirely sober. Along with this; there has been rehab and continued therapy."

"It is very apparent that the Australian music media and some people in the music industry do not care about any of this, let alone us being open about mental health issues with members in the band. There has been nothing in fact, other than one sided stories against us. Fabricated purely for the sakes [sic] of clicks [and] attention."

The festival has also offered anyone who purchased tickets in the hopes of seeing Sticky Fingers the chance to request ticket refund, meanwhile the band hinted that this wouldn't be the last of them, rounding out their message by saying, "Don't worry Newy, we'll see you sooner than you think."